Colonel Donald Waldean Pendergrast (USAF Retired) passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2013. He was born 23rd October 1920 in the heartland of America – Frankfort, Kansas. Dad loved to tell the story of how he and his brother would ride their ponies to school. Dad's pony, Twinkle, would always get them home even in a snow storm. Football was Dad's game and played well enough to receive a football scholarship to Ottawa University, where he met Nina Laverne Smith. Actually, Mom claims she picked Dad up walking to football practice. They were married for 66 years, until Mom passed away in 2008.
Colonel Pendergrast volunteered for the Army Air Corp and on the 24th of April 1942, he graduated from pilot training - the same day he got married. During WWII, Dad was assigned to the 14th Air Force, assisting the Nationalist Chinese against the Japanese invasion. To get to his base in China he had a "wonderful cruise" to India and a several days train trip into western China. Other assignments include U S Embassy, Lisbon Portugal; the Pentagon; Web AFB, TX, Deputy Base Commander, US Embassy, Tokyo, Japan; and Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. He retired in 1970. His medals include The Air Medal, Joint Commendation Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. After retiring, Mom and Dad moved to the lake of the Pines, Texas for 28 years. He was active in the various community organizations. They moved to Florida in 2003 to be close to family. Dad's humble upbringing and rising to the top of his profession was accomplished by his dedication, hard work, honesty and love of his country. He taught all that knew him humility.
Colonel Pendergrast is survived by his son, Tom Pendergrast and his wife Judy and his daughter, Donna deLatt and her husband Charles Million. He had 3 grandchildren, Jesse, Matthew, and Rian; and four great grandchildren, Kayla, Ethan, Lily, and Cooper. The family wish to thank the staff of Emerald Shores Nursing Center for their outstanding care and compassion. A graveside service will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida on Monday, the 30th of September at 11:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family request you to raise a glass of good red wine (because it is good for you) and toast all the past Veterans and especially the Wounded Warriors, we owe so much to.